Where do we come from?

Why are some of us land lubbers and some seafarers?

Since I was a little boy, I always felt the need to either be on the water or in the water. Where did this obsession come from?

When I was older I learned that my grandfather used to build and sail his own dinghies. Never spending one minute of his holiday to far from water or his little boats. He particularly liked the Sprog Dinghy and sailed in numerous regattas.

Could this be genetic? I don't think so, because my father don't like anything to do with water. He is in seventh heaven when he is sitting in his 4x4 somewhere in a desert. Even with my friend Tillerman it is not true. He spends most of his time on his Laser, but his son is more interested in fishing than sailing.

Could the place where we crew up have something to do with it? Again, I don't think so, because I grew up in Namakwaland which is a semi desert area.

Maybe it could be something from our childhood. I found a picture the other day of my 1st birthday. That was decades back There I was sitting on the floor, my face full of icing. I was dressed in one of those cliche Baby Sailor outfits and in front of me was a cake in the shape of a yacht. ~Could this be the birth of this sailor?

I still would like to think that sailing is a genetic inheritance and the true reason for my sailing obsession.

Extreme Laser Sailing

After all these years I though one designs, especially laser was boring and something the local chess club would sail.

That was, until I came across this clip a few years back. I actually forgot about it, until I saw it on youtube again the past weekend.

Surfing with a Laser

Here is another clip of a few guys that like to have fun in the surf

Now I just need to find someone else's laser to do this with. Tillerman, can I borrow yours?

No Sailing

As I look at my blogging friend Tillerman's blog, I see I am not the only one not getting out there for a sail. Maybe there is just no wind in Rode Island

There are articles on things to do in Rhode Island, his sons fishing and he even had time to write a piece about me and my blog. What is up Tillerman?

I wonder if his laser might not be developing some abandonment issues.

I found it!!!

I found it, my new boat that is. Yes, can you believe it.. After all the search I found it in a Sailing ad. It is a Weta 14' Trimaran. Just what I need; fun, fast and can be launched through the surf. That is until I saw the price tag, a whopping ZAR100 000 per Weta.

Weta in action

I don’t know bout you, but that is a bit pricey for me. Especially working in the NGO (charity) sector. Maybe I should start a NGO called "Sailing Catch 22 boat fund."

So back to the drawing board, it still looks like a Hobi 16 for me and my Fiance and an Extra dinghy for single handed sailing.

Quote of the Week

I pitty people who don't drink. They get up in the morning and thats the best they are going to feel the entire day ~ Frank Sinatra

News Review

All of us need to find our Sailing news fix some how everyday. Be it Sailing Anarchy or another site. Here is a review of a few site I like to visit formy daily fix.

Sailing Anarchy

A very interesting news website that focus more on the Fun & Interesting side of sailing news than long reports of regatta results, etc. I love the site, giving you a quick overview of what happened world wide and loads of cool sailing photos. The big plus is that it is updated daily

LiveSailDie

An Australian sailing news website. More a blog site on the local (Australian) sailing news than a global news site. One downside is that they don’t update regularly

Yachts & Yachting

A true Sailing News Site with Reports on regattas and other news of sailing right over the globe. They even have reports on what changing in the racing rules, legislation, etc. One down side ii that they are to focused on the news and fail to bring the fun side to the party.

These are three of my favorite sites for daily sailing news. What is your fix?

Winter's bad cousin

Winter is still with us in Cape Town , but today its cousin came to visit. I woke up this morning with a sniffle in the nose and scratch in the throat. ~ I hate you cousin flu!

I thought I would make this winter without a visit from the flu bug, but I was wrong. Murphy's law will always have the last say.

Time to catch up on whats going on in the world of sailing, reading Tillerman and Sailing Anarchy

So I cuddle up with a cup of steaming soup and wrapped in a blanket I play Virtual Skipper and dream of sunny days to come.

Lists

I see everybodies been writing for Tillerman's writing project. In true South African fashion I am two months late with my list.

List: What to do in winter

1. Marathon dvd session: White Squall; Perfect Storm; Morning Light

2. Snuggle up in front of the fire place with the latest edition of SA Sailing
3. Try and finish your model yacht you have been building for a while.
4. Play Virtual Skipper 5 and actually win the America's cup with out a hearing

Mmmm, now I wonder if the new Virtual Skipper will have an option for protest and court hearings?

5. Refurbish your dinghy and get saw & GRP dust in you eyes.

6. Have a Saterday off to go wine tasting with Friends

7. Go to the gym and get inshape for the new season

8. Forget all of the above and pour youself a tall glass of whiskey and light a cigar

Come on what are you waiting for? Pour yourself one